Exclusive: The Way Magic's Avatar Set Brings Back Two Fan-Favorite Tribal Mechanics

MTG fans often adopt tribal decks — what player has not built a goblin deck once or twice? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back 2 beloved mechanics that fit perfectly to the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, named "Ally," first introduced in the Zendikar and provides buffs each time more creatures with the Ally type enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment subtype that originated with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities when you owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have been shown up here and there across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been far less common — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many companions on the journey to bring back peace across the world, so there's no better method to represent that through a Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its initial set announcement, below is previews at one Ally and one Shrine card in the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as one popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo is able to glide in the air with a flying device, even challenges Aang in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness for flying and his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing you loot each time a player attacks using a flying unit, and additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It also removes one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a powerful addition, considering its low cost and valuable ETB effect.

One big weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are that these cards are always Legendary, but this card can be great in combination with another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond sets are garnering significant backlash by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.

Bryan Gibbs
Bryan Gibbs

Elara is a passionate storyteller and writer, known for crafting immersive short fiction that explores human emotions and everyday adventures.